Ghana’s Majid Michel wins top international award

Majid Michel, one of Ghana’s most noted actors made away with the Favourite West African Actor at the 2011 edition of the Screen Nation Awards at the Indigo O2, Peninsular Square, London last Sunday. The star-studded international event which seeks to recognise works from the best of British film and television, saw first time nominations from Africa acts. Michel emerged winner standing against fellow actors, John Dumelo, Osita Iheme, Ramsey Noah, Hakeem Kae Kazim as well as Mike Ezuruonye. Diversity in Drama Production, Favourite Urban Movie, Cinema Director, Favourite International Film (US), Favourite Male Screen Personality (US Film/TV) and Favourite Female Screen Personality (US Film/TV) were among some of the categories awarded. The award ceremony, currently in its seventh year is founded and organised by renowned film producer, Charles Thompson MBE, and is powered by the Screen Nation Foundation. Clearly an old age Ghana-Nigeria rivalry rearing its head again, Nigerian beauty Omotola Jolade beat Ghana’s Ama K Abebrese, Jackie Appiah, as well as Genevieve Nnaji and Mercy Johnson to win the Favourite West African Actress. The highly publicised Hollywood movie featuring Genevieve Nnaji, Mirror Boy took away the award for the Favourite West African Film category beating Ghanaian films, Perfect Picture and Sinking Sands. The 2011 Screen Nation Awards awarded Special Honorary to Sir Trevor McDonald OBE; Edric Connor, Inspiration Award; Clarke Peters, Outstanding Contribution Award; Amanda Foster, Vanguard in Stunt work; Burning an Illusio, Classic Movie Award; and The Real McCoy, Classic TV Series Award. The British hit series, Luther, which stars Ghana-Serra Leone born heartthrob, Idris Elba won the Diversity in Drama Production with The Parkers, and Monique taking the US Screen Personality Female award. International award winners included Tyler Perry of the Madea fame, and British beauty, Thandi Newton.